InsideEVs doesn’t usually test vehicles that don’t have a plug to charge in some way. However, Editor-in-Chief Patrick George found himself between electric and plug-in vehicle testers and received a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid to review. What he found was that the hype surrounding this new Subaru hybrid is justified.

The Crosstrek Hybrid is priced well at just $35,415 and is offered in two trim levels: Sport and Limited. Like some other Crosstrek models, the hybrid has a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine that is assisted by an 88-kW three-phase AC synchronous electric motor. The 4-cylinder gas engine delivers 162 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid motor adds 32 horsepower, bringing the Crosstrek Hybrid’s total to 194 horsepower. With a smart eCVT, the Hybrid is made for ultimate efficiency.

The Crosstrek Hybrid wouldn’t be a Subaru without All-Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel Drive as standard. This is something that can’t be said about nearly any other hybrid crossover on the market.

Also, unlike other hybrid crossovers, the Subaru Crosstrek and its Hybrid brethren have 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Even with that extra clearance over other crossovers on the market, the Crosstrek Hybrid still achieves an EPA estimated 36 mpg in both city and highway driving. The Hybrid increases fuel efficiency over the non-hybrid models by 9-10 mpg in the city and 2-3 extra mpg on the highway, depending on the trim level. This means that the Hybrid can travel a total of 600 miles between fill-ups.

“… the hybrid system is very impressive for how utterly seamless it is. The Crosstrek Hybrid is, essentially, an EV at lower speeds. Around town, a little light clicks on the dashboard to show that it’s not moving under gas power. This is a good, emissions-reducing use of this technology, and you may never even realize when it’s happening. The small hybrid battery recharges through regenerative braking and from the engine’s power. It also has a “Battery Charge Mode,” which instructs the engine to prioritize battery charging in ordinary driving.”

The Crosstrek Hybrid also offers owners great cargo utility. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find 18.6 cubic feet of space that grows to 50.6 when the rear seats are folded down.

The Crosstrek lineup as a whole is filled with incredible value from its long list of standard amenities that include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia Plus System that has navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, StarTex water-resistant and repelling seat upholstery, plus multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, both front and rear.

With an award-winning suite of safety features thanks to Eyesight Driver Assist Technology, the Crosstrek Hybrid comes standard with pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, emergency lane keep assist, high-beam assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency steering.

To understand what InsideEVs came away knowing with their test of the Crosstrek Hybrid, come down to Twin Falls Subaru to talk to one of the expert salespeople and take one for a spin to see for yourself.

Get an early start on summer with a hot deal at Twin Falls Subaru, where we are proud to offer our customers not only hundreds of new and used vehicles at the best possible prices, but also the best services around. Our fantastic sales team and finance department will work hard to find the best car for your needs. Our dedicated service department will always ensure that your vehicle is taken care of in the best way possible.

We look forward to serving you soon.